Study links rapid weight gain in young children to later hypertension

An Australian study of children from birth to age 14 showed that the top 32% with the most rapid weight gain had high blood pressure, and it was detectable as early as age 3. Reducing childhood obesity and early fat gain could curb levels of metabolic conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension, the lead researcher said. The findings were presented at the European Society of Hypertension conference.